No Struggle, No Progress
No Struggle, No Progress
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School has been in session for over a month, and the biggest news to report has been the firing of several high school football coaches and the almost suspension of a school superintendent. Football season practically dominates school activities, with various schools having their homecoming events to instill school pride among their students. But not lost in the process is the purpose of school, which is to educate all students who walk through its doors day-in-day-out. A dark cloud continues to hang over the Monroe City Schools District as...
Disclaimer: All persons are considered innocent until proven guilty. Family is important to all of us. We have each other's back because we are all blood. We defend each other and support one another through the trials of life. Sometimes, it's how we show that support that can get us in trouble. According to a recent police report, Monroe Police responded to an altercation involving a male victim and the brothers of an unknown female. Police say that the victim was involved in an altercation...
One of Carroll’s High School’s biggest events may not be happening at the school. Carroll’s annual football homecoming, initially slated to be played Friday night on October 20, will be played on Saturday, October 21. Most alumni and fans allegedly did not meet the news of the change in event plans with open arms. According to what is being said in the community, the football game itself will not be played on the school’s campus. That is because representatives of Carroll’s opponents have strenuously objected to the game being played on campus...
Another shooting and numerous others are plaguing Monroe, LA, while police scramble to investigate and solve shooting crimes. According to source, an alleged shooting took place in or around the Atkins Quarter community on Monday, September 18, 2023. A good friend of the deceased victim made a point of checking on the victim daily. The day went awry when the friend couldn't get in contact with the victim, which was very unusual. Unable to contact the victim, the friend went to the victim's...
Sommer Powell, 39, was born March 5, 1984, to Billy Ray Mathias and the late Vanessa Powell. She could make anyone smile in her presence. At age eight, Sommer was placed under the wings of her dearly beloved grandmother, Betty Jean Powell, who reared her. Sommer attended Berg Jones Lane Elementary and Richwood High School. She moved to Texas with relatives in her twenties while becoming a mother to a beautiful baby girl, Savannah Powell, whose sweet, adorable personality was contagious to those...
Sources informed the Monroe Dispatch of an alleged deceased body found in Monroe, LA, on Louberta St. between Swayze St. and Booth St. on September 16, 2023. Sources didn’t know who or what gender the alleged deceased body was and how it was discovered. Mysterious shootings are becoming commonplace in Monroe, with no organization or leaders even attempting to address the crimes occurring more frequently. Where are the leaders of Monroe, LA?...
The 2023 Wossman High School homecoming football game was Friday, September 15, 2023 at Grady Jones Memorial Stadium. Wossman Homecoming royalty Miss Wossman, Da'Naya Ross and her homecoming court was introduced to Wossman students, alumni, fans, and friends. The homecoming was a perfect fit for, "Two Rings and A Queen!"...
The Monroe City Council, during the Tuesday, September 12, 2023 meeting, approved the final adoption of an ordinance, a "proposed reorganization and amending" the Monroe City Charter to provide for the reorganization of the Engineering and the Planning and Urban Development Departments. While many see nothing wrong with the Ellis administration reorganizing its departments, it appeared that the method in doing so raised some questions. Community activist Verbon Muhammad stated as such, except...
The Wossman Wildcat Alumni Association (WWAA) hosted a career fair for Wossman students on Thursday, September 14, 2023. 20 plus businesses and organizations were represented at the event, with some alumni representing their companies and alma mater. The career fair was a part of an exciting event line-up; WWAA also hosted many other events celebrating the purple and gold pride. Visit www.wwaagocats.org to become a member and receive up to date news from the organization. Picture 1 - WWAA...
The deadline to register to vote or make changes, in person or by mail was September 13, 2023. The deadline to register or make changes online at www.geaxvote.com is September 23, 2023. Early voting begins on Saturday September 30,2023 through Saturday October 7, 2023. No voting held on Sunday October 1, 2023. The hors for early voting are 8:30am till 6pm at Registrar of Voters Community Room 1650 DeSiard St, in Monroe LA and West Ouachita Senior Center 1800 N 7th St in West Monroe LA. Please bring ID....
Applications are now open to host free family engagement and reading programs that address themes such as caring, sustainability, and the foods that influence our lives. Applications will be accepted from Sept. 15 through Oct. 17 at www.primetimefamily.org for organizations that would like to host either Prime Time Family Reading, for ages 6-10, or Prime Time Preschool Reading, for ages 3-5. An initiative of the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities (LEH), Prime Time programs start with a shared meal, and then a storyteller reads families an...
AL DERRY`S Bayou Classic 50TH Anniversary trip is scheduled for November 24-26, 2023 in New Orleans, LA - AL DERRY`S Bayou Classic package includes 2 nights at Comfort Inn & Suites in Metairie, LA (double occupancy), free breakfast, game tickets, transportation to and from the game, Battle of the Bands, and the parade. Battle of the Bands tickets are $25, not included. Bayou Classic package price is $335 per person, $75.00 deposit due by September 23 2023. Remaining balance due by October 28, 2023. Contact Al Derry at 318-789-9690 for more...
Celebrating the magic number 4 score and ten, Joyce Poullard was showered with birthday love on Saturday September 16, 2023 at the Marriott Courtyard in Monroe LA. Many showed their love for Joyce through numerous expressions of kindness shown by her family, church family, collogues and friends. Happy birthday Joyce!...
Family and friends traveled from Texas, Ohio, southern Louisiana and Monroe, LA to gather at the Wingate by Wyndham in West Monroe, LA to celebrate the 93rd birthday of Mr. S.L. Magee recently. There was lots of love shown to Mr. Magee, who is a native of Tylertown, MS and a 75 year resident of Monroe, LA retired from the Monroe City School Board System with 26 years. He is also a member of the MW King George Grand Lodge A.F. & A.M. for 61 years. Mr. S.L. Magee (well known as Mr. Mack) was...
Disclaimer: All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty. People, for the most part, tend to get along with one another. Friendships and relationships are born, leading to a lifetime of memories. In just about all of them is the good, the bad, and the ugly. And the old saying that if one can't get along, moving alone can save a lot of heartache and headaches later on in life. Sometimes, that headache could be one that will land someone in jail. A local man is in jail because of an...
He was an old soul in a young body, and I learned a few things from him. I met Martez over a decade ago in his early twenties when he reached out to me to become his dentist. My first impression was that he was too young to be fully employed as both a police officer and a mortician in training. He showed me what drive looked like. As a small business owner, I felt very safe because he would always update me on events and often look out for me when I was at my office late at night. He always...
It was on a Tuesday, September 9, 2023, Monroe City School Board meeting when board president Bill Willson made an announcement concerning a school employee that he said was under investigation. Willson, in a statement to fellow board members without mentioning any specifics, said, “Based on guidance received from our auditors and legal counsel, the Monroe City School District is notifying the public that notice has been submitted on the district’s behalf to the Louisiana Legislative Auditor and the Ouachita Parish District Attorney’s office of...
Carroll High School in Monroe, LA, has been consistently overlooked in terms of renovations and improvements, which is concerning. It is disheartening to see other schools in the area receive nice new upgrades while Carroll High School is left with subpar conditions. As a parent of two Carroll graduates, one of whom graduates in May 2024, I am compelled to speak up about the inadequate state of the gym, weight room, and locker room. During a recent tour of these areas, as a parent, I was...
In reference to your article in the Volume 52, Number 35 edition of your paper titled, " Richwood $147K Missing" I am seeking a full retraction. This article's title is false and misleading. Why was Mr. Cleveland the only person interviewed for this article? If the Dispatch or Mr. Eddie Gillis wanted to do thorough investigative work why would they not interview myself or the audit firm that audits the town's finances? The "uncleared checks" were from 2020 and the issue has been resolved by the town and the audit firm, Bruno & Tervalon....
Disclaimer: All persons are innocent until proven guilty. A local teenager who allegedly stole a school bus in Ouachita Parish recently and was arrested in Texas was released to his father after he was apprehended by law enforcement officials in Texas. According to police reports, that was the teen’s second time in as many weeks of allegedly committing the same act involving a school bus. The teen traveled on I-20 toward Texas, and when he entered Smith County near Lindale, Texas, he was spotted driving the school bus in an erratic manner t...
"Two Rings and a Queen", Wossman High School Homecoming Queen Da'Naya Ross was crowned Miss Wossman by Principal Dr. Harrington Watson lll and Assistant Principal Mrs. Dena Staten-Sampson on Tuesday, September 12, 2023 before family and friends....
Obey the Lord in All Things! Spiritual Harvest in Monroe LA celebrated their 18th Church Anniversary on Sunday September 10, 2023. Among the church membership speaking about how their lives have changed by God and the church ministry were the young people in the congregation which was remarkable. Among the young spiritual Harvest Members was Emeri Armstrong who's passion and emotions were witnessed....
Philadelphia Word Church in Monroe, LA celebrated 20 years of God's Grace on Sunday, September 10, 2023. A timely word - where God guides, He provides - was delivered and the church was full of the spirit in prayer and song. Youth church members participated in Sunday's message too. Youth church members Dillion Nash, C.J. Williams, Nolan and Silas White performed the memorial period....
The deadline to register to vote or make changes, in person or by mail was September 13, 2023. The deadline to register or make changes online at www.geaxvote.com is September 23, 2023. Early voting begins on Saturday September 30,2023 through Saturday October 7, 2023. No voting held on Sunday October 1, 2023. The hors for early voting are 8:30am till 6pm at Registrar of Voters Community Room 1650 DeSiard St, in Monroe LA and West Ouachita Senior Center 1800 N 7th St in West Monroe LA. Please bring ID....
The Knights of Peter Claver, Supreme General Chapter, Ladies of Grace awarded Little Flower of Jesus Catholic Church, $800 Grant through its "Partners in Education Program" in July at its National Convention in New Orleans, Louisiana. The grant was awarded based on a nomination by Ladies of Grace Chapter 36, (Green Scott Smith). Pictured along with Little Flower Pastor, Fr. Adrain Fischer receiving the grant are Ladies Bonnie Arnold, Carla Mercy, Debra Bridges, Mary Wilson, Bernice Allen,...
Texas Beauties had heads turning in Monroe LA when Robin Mercy and Lolacile Cage Mercy strutted in the building. Both Mercy Ladies enjoyed themselves and had heads turning with their Texas beauty....
NOVA Workforce Institute of Northeast Louisiana held its 7th Annual Update to the Community Luncheon / Celebration. The Annual Update to the Community Luncheon was held recently at the Monroe Civic Center. The focus of the event was to update and celebrate the Success of NOVA being in the community for 15 years. The Keynote speaker for this year's event was Louisiana State Director, USDA Rural Development Ms. Deidre Deculus Robert, Esq. NOVA Graduates shared their testimonials of how NOVA has...
On the last holiday of the summer, Latoya Williams, 29, lost her life in a traffic crash. Law enforcement authorities said that on Saturday, September 2, 2023, around 1:00 AM, they responded to a traffic fatality on I-20 near Jackson Street in Monroe, LA. According to reports, Williams was traveling west in the eastbound lanes and was struck by an 18-wheeler that was also traveling in the eastbound lanes. Officers at the scene said Latoya Williams struck the 18-wheeler head-on while driving a...
Two people are dead following the aftermath of a fatal house fire that occurred on the Labor Day holiday weekend in Ouachita Parish. According to parish officials, on Sunday, September 3, 2023 around 4:00 AM, Ouachita Parish firefighters responded to a house fire call on Burton Place in Monroe, LA. According to reports, firefighters located the bodies of two male victims inside the dwelling. One of the victims was found in the dining area of the house, while the other individual was located in...
What appears to be a looming controversy over a large sum of money in uncleared checks emanating from a town's general fund led to the mayor abruptly leaving a recent town hall meeting. Saying that he didn't "want to be called a liar" Richwood Mayor Gerald Brown left the special meeting after getting into a disagreement with Alderman Wysinger Cleveland. An issue between the mayor and the board of Alderpersons was a questionnaire provided by the Digital Forensic Corporation, hired by the town to...
Disclaimer: All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty. It is always advisable to settle a dispute as amicably and as soon as possible can be done. Far too often, disagreements or disputes can escalate quickly, making any resolution practically impossible. Disputes usually start verbally and can quickly turn violent with one wrong word or gesture. A local man is behind bars for allegedly being accused of committing a violent act that drew blood from someone. According to a recent...
The Monroe/Ouachita Chapter of Grambling National Alumni Association returned to prominence with its 21st Annual Evening with GSU Athletic Department, Thursday, August 24, 2023 at the Monroe Civic Center. 2023 Grambling honorees were Remond Brown, Tiffany V. Daniels, Sygmon T. Holland, Rufus Stevens, and Charles J. Edwards (posthumously)....
Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards worshipped with church members at the Little Flower of Jesus Catholic Church 9:00 AM Mass on September 3, 2023. Church Parishers celebrating September 2023 birthdays included Mary Wilson, Norma Lane, Charles Scott, Gesila Baker, Governor John Bel Edwards, Noah DeTiege, and Debra Jackson...
Help bring more art to the community by supporting this AMAZING event. The Arts with Passion presents the Broadway Musical, Memphis is Friday September 22, 2023 at 6:30pm and Saturday, September 23, 2023 at 2:00pm and 6:30pm at the WL JACK HOWARD THEATRE in Monroe, LA. Doors will open 30 minutes prior to curtain. Tickets $25. and $35 at the door. Tickets can be purchased online at https://www.theartswithpassion.com/the-color-purple.html Under the leadership of Pashen Sims, The Arts with Passion was created to educate, entertain, and empower...
A community program will be held at the Carver-McDonald Branch Library at 2941 Renwick St. Monroe, LA on Thursday September 21, 2023 at 11:30 am by Tom Whitehead, a retired journalist professor from LSU. Tom Whitehead is a leading expert on Hunter’s works of Art. Clementine Hunter born late December 1886 or early January 1887 – January 1, 1988) and the first of seven children. Clementeen Hunter was a self-taught Black folk artist from the Cane River region of Louisiana, who lived and worked on Melrose Plantation. Hunter was born into a Lou...
Pastors are special but a Pastor's Wife is a blessing. St. James Baptist Church in Sterlington LA remembered Rev. Richard and First Lady Meltida Wilson at their 12th anniversary recently. Guest speaker was Rev. Larry Brooks, Pilgram Rest Baptist Church in Sandy Point TX. Rember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith. Hebrews 13:7 Photo 1- Rev. Richard and First Lady Meltida Wilson Photo 2- Among the many worshippers...
Disclaimer: All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty. Relationships between adults can sometimes become complicated. After all, grown people know what they want and how they will go about doing what they want. Relationships between a parent and the child should be about who has the authority in the household. Even those relationships can sometimes take a bad turn. A domestic disturbance between a mother and her daughter landed the woman in jail after she allegedly beat and...
Matthew Sims had a very important day in court recently. Sims, who is fighting felony domestic charges in a case against his former wife, had the opportunity to ask her questions concerning their relationship, which led to him having to appear in hearings numerous times. It has been three years since an incident involving Sims and his former wife that led to him being arrested on domestic charges. He has contested how Monroe Police handled the investigation. Sims, acting as his own counsel, has attacked the investigation from the start, questio...
Barbara Jean Strawder Mercy was born September 26, 1934 to the late Marie Carrie White and Orange Strawder. She departed this life at her home on August 28, 2023 after a long illness. Barbara will be funeralized on Saturday, September 2, 2023 at Little Flower of Jesus Catholic Church at 11:00 AM. Her son Stephen Mercy preceded her in death. She leaves to cherish her memories her husband of 67 years, Tom Mercy, Jr., her children - Thomas Mercy (Vanessa), Carla Mercy, and Jonathan Mercy, one...
Bennie Ruth Myles Emerson, 79, of Monroe, LA, passed away from a lengthy illness on August 23, 2023, surrounded by her loved ones. A memorial service will be held in her honor on Friday, September 1, 2023, at Richardson Funeral Home in Monroe, LA. She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Lucille Myles, daughter, Helen "Lisa" Emerson, and Anthony Emerson; siblings, Vera Myles Carroll (Calvin), Beatrice Myles Pargoud (Louis), Lucille Myles Smith, John Myles, Jr. (Patricia), and Willie My...
BLACK RODEO GROWS STRONGER A record crowd of rodeo fans attended the annual Bayou Black Open Rodeo at the Monroe Civic Center Arena on Saturday, August 26, 2023. They enjoyed over 300 cowboys and cowgirls from five states displaying their talents in bull riding and calf roping among other events. Former mayor Jamie Mayo's vision started over 20 years ago but the current administration has carried the baton....
P.E.E.P. hosted a back-to-school event Saturday, August 19, 2023 at the P.E.E.P. headquarters on Orange St. in Monroe, LA. Children in the community received a backpack filled with school supplies, hotdogs with chili, and free haircuts by Elite Fadez Barbershop. The P.E.E.P. organization has sponsoring community events for more than 25 years under the leadership of P.E.E.P. president Kenneth Wilson and P.E.E.P. board of directors. The organization's community vision is "bringing light to dark...
I grew up surrounded by people who loved their community and dedicated their lives to make things better. That was when it took a village to raise a child. A time when a neighbor knew their neighbors and a neighbor could correct a child and the parents would say "thank you". It was a time when teachers bought less fortunate students' clothes and pulled together to send them off to college. I was trained to serve during a time when there was a great divide between the northside and the...
The Monroe/Ouachita Chapter of Grambling National Alumni Association returned to prominence with its 21st Annual Evening with GSU Athletic Department, Thursday, August 24, 2023 at the Monroe Civic Center. 2023 Grambling honorees were Remond Brown, Tiffany V. Daniels, Sygmon T. Holland, Rufus Stevens, and Charles J. Edwards (posthumously). Photo Evening 23 - Evening with GSU honorees and gramblinites Ezzard Burton, Sylvia Brass for Charles Edwards, Rufus Stevens, Shimilca B. Daniels for Tiffany...
NOVA Workforce Institute of Northeast Louisiana held its 7th Annual Update to the Community Luncheon/Celebration. The Annual Update to the Community Luncheon was Tuesday, August 22, 2023 at the Monroe Civic Center. The focus of the event was to update and celebrate the success of NOVA being in the community for 15 years. Keynote speaker was Louisiana State Director, USDA Rural Development Ms. Deidre Deculus Robert, Esq....
The Carroll homecoming football game will be Saturday, October 21, 2023. The homecoming game will be played at Thomas-Blade football stadium on the campus of Carroll High School in Monroe, LA. The homecoming game will feature Carroll and Franklin Parish, the same team whose fans became unruly, and now the team is marred with controversy, which still lingers with the legal outcome that many know could have been avoided. Need another reason to vote or why voting is important?...
Layton Castle is a beautiful Southern home with a European flair located in Monroe, LA. Layton Castle was originally called "Mulberry Grove sitting on five acres of gardens and ancient trees and hosts a family cemetery, a 1790s wine house and historic bottle museum, a converted carriage house for short stays and small events - and apartments" Library patrons learned about Judge Henry Bry, a Swiss emigrant who helped write and signed the first Louisiana Constitution representing Ouachita, how he...
Prime Time Family Reading Program brings families together for a free evening of fun-one night a week for six weeks to read award-winning children’s books, and then participate in a discussion centered around the important themes such as fairness, courage, and other topics. Our discussion strategies are proven to increase creativity, critical thinking, and academic success. Your child keeps the books to add to their home library. Prime Time Family Reading Program is designed for families with children 6-10 years old, but siblings of any age a...
A Farewell for Queens Mrs. Tereatha Chisley (54 years) and Mrs. Lee Nomie Robinson (53 years) was held Sunday August 20 2023 at the Monroe Civic Conference Hall in Monroe LA. Both ladies were lauded for their contributions to the Ouachita Parish School System with numerous accolades and praise. Praise God for these ladies and their extraordinary service to our community. Their service and longevity is commended while bringing along others to continuing the legacy of excellence. Congratulations...
A Look Back Down Memory Lane honored Mr. Richard L. Jackson was at Swayze Elementary School Gymnasium in Monroe LA recently. Former Southside Boys Club Members honored Mr. Richard L. Jackson for his dedicated service to the boys on the southside of Monroe off Berg Jones Lane and surrounding communities. Former boys club members now grown with families recognized Mr. Richard L. Jackson for his work with the boys. "Let your work speak for you while staying humble and just do the...
